Online HDTV Purchases: Safe? Why Cheaper?

[doctorsteve]

Sure there's low overhead. But why are Online HDTV purchases cheaper? Is the price difference worth the risk of damage in transit?

What kinds of hassles have you encountered with Online HDTV purchases? For example, if I buy a set from CConline or BBonline, is the service handled through the store? Please share your horror stories, suggestions, and positive experiences as well.

I'm looking to get a Bravia KDL-52XBR4, now I'm just trying to decide if I should go brick-n-mortar, online BB/CC, or find another reliable online store like Crutchfield or J&R (Suggestions on these are welcome as well).

Thanks, Doc.

[Shiggidy75]

I ordered a Panny plasma from Amazon about 3 weeks ago. The first one I received had a broken screen so they returned it. I got the replacement about a week later and the screen was about a cm shifted to the right. Drove me nuts so I had Amazon take it back for a refund. They never said a word though about the replacement or refund so that was nice but still. I gave up on online tv purchases after that. Went to the store a bought a Samsung LCD instead. After two broken Pannys I figured I would stay away from them.

[JohnGalt]

I've purchased from Plasma Concepts multiple times and have been very happy each time. Whatever else you do, ensure that you're buying from an authorized dealer so your warranty will be valid.

[kingofgrills]

I purchased a Sony SXRD KDS 50-A2000 from LCDTVS.com in December of 2006, and it was a breeze. I received it for $1740 shipped with a 5 year extended warranty. At the time, the total price was a ton lower than the online competition and brick and mortar stores. It was delivered by a private freight company and was the only box on the truck that morning for delivery.

All in all, it was a pretty sweet experience.

[MPDIEHL]

Whatever else you do, ensure that you're buying from an authorized dealer so your warranty will be valid.
.
Cannot stress this point enough.... If your not 1000% sure call the Mfg.
They will tell you if the dealer is authorised.
There are a lot of grey market dealers around today and gone tomorrow.
I know a customer of mine who got a "great deal" from a online dealer and then came in asking if the base and remote were supposed to come with the TV, because he was told (after taking delivery) that those were extra...

Personal experience from Crutchfield is 5 star A++ service.
They dont discount but ARE authorised to sell anything they offer.
There customer support is beyond reproach.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

There are pros and cons about online purchasing. It's very risky especially for HDTVs. It's may be cheaper because you only pay for S&H and no taxes but you better purchase insurance because it may break during shipment.

[DezNutz]

use reputable sites, I like www.pricescan.com as they do not list people who do not meet basic standards such as;

Hassle-free Online Ordering
[Value = 3 Stars]
Customer can place order online with SSL security. No phone call is required to complete order. [YES]
Customer can monitor order status on vendor's website. [YES]
Customer receives tracking number so that delivery can be monitored via shipper (FedEx, UPS, etc.). [YES]
Customer's credit card is not charged until order is shipped. [YES]

Also they list other important information about the compaines such as;

Vendor provides customer support by phone.
[Value = .5 Star]
Checked Vendor accepts returns on unopened items without a restocking fee.
[Value = .5 Star]
Checked Vendor participates in the Better Business Bureau's Online Reliability Program.
[Value = .5 Star]
Checked Vendor posts a comprehensive privacy policy.
[Value = .25 Star]
Checked Vendor lists a physical address prominently on website.
[Value = .25 Star]

[obiwopkenobi62]

I purchased the TV in my sig from Amazon. Tv was perfect, the stand was broken in the box. They quickly sent me a replacement. Great service. Also shipping was free and no sales tax either. All in all a great deal.

[Ashamed Pegasus]

I purchased my first HDTV from buydig.com and my current one came from bestbuy.com... My only complaint about buying from a 3rd party store is they ship them freight, and for some reason couldn't tell me the delivery date until the morning it was being delivered... Other than that both were great...

[fatediesel]

I've bought my 3 hdtvs from Amazon and been satisfied every time. Each time it took about a week and a half from order to delivery. By buying from Amazon I saved over $1,500 over local retail stores, plus no tax or shipping charges. I'm probably going to buy a new tv later this year and I will be buying that from Amazon.

[dk3dknight]

I simply do not trust online sites... and most of the times S/H ive seen it higher then I would like, and of course there was tax anyway, so I was going to pay more for the privilege to have it shipped to me..

That never made any sense to me, I almost did, but decided to go brick and motor.

[DetroitSportsFan]

I use the online prices to get a local chain (ABC Warehouse) to come down on their prices, which is difficult at BB or CC.

So, I've never had to resort to going online to save money. But I would if I had to.